Morning journal and courier., 1887-02-01
THE FTTCH,S HOME.


More Witnesses EXamined-ChargeS
of Hismanagement.
The official investigation into the mis-
management of the Fitch's home was re-
newed yesterday morning at the home Wit
nesses in support of the charges of misman-
agement were introduced. A testimonial
signed by over fifty ladies of Darien and
Noroton to the effect that they are not
afraid of assault at night by reason of the
presence in town of the inmates of the
home was read.
Charles Hale had been clerk to Superin-
tendent Pelham. Pelham had said Duffy,
the cook, had been put out for the reason
that he was thief, liar and untrustworthy
party. There were rumors that an assault
had been made by some inmates. Regard.
ing beef for 104 men, he had seen from 80
to 100 pounds of pork and mutton chop
served at once. On cross examination he
said he had been away to avoid difficulty
with Pelham, and considered himself insult
ed and abused.
DR.. French had been called in cases of
emergency when DR.. Bohanuan was not to be
found. Was called to see Blakesly whose
case was unjust. He want French to attend
him. He had chills and other troubles.
Blakesly asked Pelham for whisky or brandy,
but it could not be given without Bohannan's
order. Pelham's refusal endangered the life
of the patient.
George F. Beard had been in the home
since August. The food had not been salts
factory-often half cooked again burned mot
always enough. Had often left table hun
CRY, but was not large eater. "Polham's boy
said food was better than we ought to have.
When / came here I wanted clothes Pei
ham said they wouldn't pay for mending my
a1o hnaI
cold could put a towel on it, and was
not obliged to go out of doors. Have heard
Pelham swear at men who were not drunk.
Mike Powers was at breakfast one time when
he said he wanted meat. He got it. It was
thrown at him by Durfee. Pelham said if I
did not keep still Le'd come in and wiring my
neck. Have heard men complain of Ian
guage and food; have found bugs in my
pillow case. There was man with vermin
here for some time; men have been made to
work without pay of any kind; have been
acting as nurse for a sick man Ave weeks: do
not care to stay here, but can't earn money
enough to get away"
Joseph P. Gabriel: ''I have been here
over two years; never heard Pelham use
abusive language; have complained of cook
ing; once or twice have been unable to eat
the meat; meat was spoiled; I have seen bad
bread, and heard that ladies were insulted;
I was kept without clothing several months;
about it."
DIR. Geib, of Stamford, had frequently been
at tho home while he was surgeon general
of the State. Men often came to him saying
they could not get DR.. Bohannan to give them
proper attention; had never at his Office fur
nished whiskey; think men should have had
more attention; thought Pelham did as well
as he could under the circumstances; the
quality of food supplied was good; had heard
of complaint and insult.
Frederick Kline had heard growing, food
raw or burned.
Thomas Lying said, food not well cooked.
Minot F. Atwood, food not we'll cooked.
Richard W. Farrell and George Elmer
testified that food, had not been good at
times.
At O'Clock an intermission of half an
hour was taken. The Governor announced
that after Mr.. Ellendorf's five witnesses the
trustees would introduce nine in support of
their claims. which would close the case.